U.S. patent number 4,936,611 [Application Number 07/314,078] was granted by the patent office on 1990-06-26 for hood latch.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Magna International Inc.. Invention is credited to Sandor Palvolgyi.
United States Patent |
4,936,611 |
Palvolgyi |
June 26, 1990 |
Hood latch
Abstract
A latch mechanism including: a mounting plate carrying a slot
having a bottom and mouth, the latch mechanism having disposed
therewith a pivotably biased pawl mechanism comprising a top arm
portion for pivoting from a position over the slot to a position
spaced from it, the pawl having a bottom arm portion, and a
follower mechanism for positioning the pawl with respect to the
slot of the mounting plate, the pawl mechanism having a primary
pivot about which it normally pivots or rotates and a secondary
safety pivot about which the pawl is able to rotate if the primary
pivot breaks and which secondary safety pivot does not interfere
with any normal operation motion, the latch mechanism having
disposed therewith a ratchet mechanism biased for rotation and
carrying a notch having a mouth and control mechanism for
controlling the position of the pawl mechanism with respect to the
slot when the control mechanism of the ratchet engages the follower
mechanism of the pawl, the latch mechanism having disposed
therewith stop mechanism for stopping rotation of the ratchet
mechanism with the mouth of the notch proximate the mouth of the
slot both directed towards the top arm portion of the pawl, the top
arm portion normally positioned over the slot and being precluded
from movement away from the slot unless the mouth of the notch and
mouth of the slot are both directed towards the top arm
portion.
Inventors: |
Palvolgyi; Sandor (Newmarket,
CA) |
Assignee: |
Magna International Inc.
(Ontario, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
4137379 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/314,078 |
Filed: |
February 3, 1989 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
Current U.S.
Class: |
292/28; 292/216;
292/DIG.14 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05B
83/16 (20130101); Y10S 292/14 (20130101); Y10T
292/083 (20150401); Y10T 292/1047 (20150401) |
Current International
Class: |
E05B
65/19 (20060101); E05B 65/12 (20060101); E05C
003/26 () |
Field of
Search: |
;292/28,48,216,201,DIG.14,DIG.65 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Moore; Richard E.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Hughes; Ivor M.
Claims
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or
privilege is claimed are as follows:
1. A latch mechanism comprising a mounting plate carrying a slot
having a bottom and mouth, the latch mechanism having disposed
therewith a pivotably biased pawl mechanism comprising a top arm
portion for pivoting from a position over the slot to a position
spaced from it, the pawl having a bottom arm portion and follower
means for positioning the pawl with respect to the slot of the
mounting plate, the pawl mechanism having a primary pivot about
which it normally pivots or rotates and a secondary safety pivot
about which the pawl is able to rotate if the primary pivot breaks
and which secondary safety pivot does not interfere with any normal
operation motion, the latch mechanism having disposed therewith a
ratchet mechanism biased for rotation and carrying a notch having a
mouth and control means for controlling the position of the pawl
mechanism with respect to the slot when the control means of the
ratchet engages the follower means of the pawl, the latch mechanism
having disposed therewith stop means for stopping rotation of the
ratchet mechanism with the mouth of the notch proximate the mouth
of the slot both directed towards the top arm portion of the pawl,
the top arm portion normally positioned over the slot and being
precluded from movement away from the slot unless the mouth of the
notch and mouth of the slot are both directed towards the top arm
portion.
2. A latch mechanism with an operative cable for actuating the
latch mechanism to release a striker to a raised position, the
latch mechanism comprising a mounting plate carrying a slot having
a bottom and mouth, the latch mechanism having disposed therewith a
pivotably biased pawl mechanism comprising a top arm portion for
pivoting from a position over the slot to a position spaced from
it, the pawl having a bottom arm portion and follower means for
positioning the pawl with respect to the slot of the mounting
plate, the pawl mechanism having a primary pivot about which it
normally pivots or rotates and a secondary safety pivot about which
the pawl is able to rotate if the primary pivot breaks and which
secondary safety pivot does not interfere with any normal operation
motion, the latch mechanism having disposed therewith a ratchet
mechanism biased for rotation and carrying a notch having a mouth
and control means for controlling the position of the pawl
mechanism with respect to the slot when the control means of the
ratchet engages the follower means of the pawl the latch mechanism
having disposed therewith stop means for stopping rotation of the
ratchet mechanism with the mouth of the notch proximate the mouth
of the slot both directed towards the top arm portion of the pawl
the latch mechanism having disposed therewith, a safety device
securing the operative cable to the pawl mechanism which device
permits actuation of the latch mechanism to only release the
striker to a raised position but precludes any further operation of
the cable to release the striker from the latch mechanism, the top
arm portion normally positioned over the slot and being precluded
from movement away from the slot unless the mouth of the notch and
mouth of the slot are both directed towards the top arm
portion.
3. A latch mechanism with an operative cable for actuating the
latch mechanism to release the striker to a raised position, the
latch mechanism comprising a mounting plate carrying a slot having
a bottom and mouth, the latch mechanism having disposed therewith,
a pivotably biased pawl mechanism comprising a top arm portion for
pivoting from a position over the slot to a position spaced from
it, the pawl having a bottom arm portion, and follower means for
positioning the pawl with respect to the slot of the mounting
plate, the latch mechanism having disposed therewith, a ratchet
mechanism biased for rotation and carrying a notch having a mouth
and control means for controlling the position of the pawl
mechanism with respect to the slot when the control means of the
ratchet engages the follower means of the pawl the latch mechanism
having disposed therewith stop means for stopping rotation of the
ratchet mechanism with the mouth of the notch proximate the mouth
of the slot both directed towards the top arm portion of the pawl,
the latch mechanism having disposed therewith a safety device
securing the operative cable to the pawl mechanism which devices
permits actuation of the latch mechanism to only release the
striker to a raised position but precludes any further operation of
the cable to release the striker from the latch mechanism, the top
arm portion normally positioned over the slot and being precluded
from movement away from the slot unless the mouth of the notch and
mouth of the slot are both directed towards the top arm
portion.
4. The latch mechanism of claim 1, wherein the control means of the
ratchet for engaging the follower means of the pawl mechanism
further comprises a control surface on the ratchet mechanism and
the follower means of the pawl further comprises a detent carried
at the side edge of the pawl mechanism to engage the control means,
the follower means to lock the ratchet mechanism with any striker
in the slot and notch at the bottom of the slot with the top arm
covering the slot mouth, and the control means to ensure the top
arm portion cannot be pushed away from over the slot unless the
mouth of the notch and mouth of the slot are both proximate one
another and directed toward the top arm portion.
5. The latch mechanism of claim 2, wherein the control means of the
ratchet for engaging the follower means of the pawl mechanism
further comprises a control surface on the ratchet mechanism and
the follower means of the pawl further comprises a detent carried
at the side edge of the pawl mechanism to engage the control means,
the follower means to lock the ratchet mechanism with any striker
in the slot and notch at the bottom of the slot with the top arm
covering the slot mouth, and the control means to ensure the top
arm portion cannot be pushed away from over the slot unless the
mouth of the notch and mouth of the slot are both proximate one
another and directed toward the top arm portion.
6. The latch mechanism of claim 3, wherein the control means of the
ratchet for engaging the follower means of the pawl mechanism
further comprises a control surface on the ratchet mechanism and
the follower means of the pawl further comprises a detent carried
at the side edge of the pawl mechanism to engage the control means,
the follower means to lock the ratchet mechanism with any striker
in the slot and notch at the bottom of the slot with the top arm
covering the slot mouth, and the control means to ensure the top
arm portion cannot be pushed away from over the slot unless the
mouth of the notch and mouth of the slot are both proximate one
another and directed toward the top arm portion.
7. A latch mechanism comprising a mounting plate carrying a slot
having a bottom and mouth; the latch mechanism having a
pivotably-biased pawl mechanism having a top arm portion, a bottom
arm portion, and follower and engaging means for positioning the
pawl with respect to the slot of the mounting plate; the latch
mechanism having a ratchet mechanism biased for rotation and
carrying a notch having a mouth and control means for controlling
the position of the pawl mechanism with respect to the slot when
the control means of the ratchet engages the follower and engaging
means of the pawl, the plane of the ratchet in one embodiment lying
in the same plane as the pawl mechanism; the latch mechanism having
disposed therewith stop means to stop the rotation of the ratchet
mechanism, the ratchet mechanism for guiding the striker to
proximate the bottom of the slot so that the detent of the pawl
mechanism engages a detent of the ratchet mechanism so that the
ratchet mechanism is precluded from rotating to release the
striker, the arm on the top of the pawl mechanism normally
positioned over the slot and being precluded from movement away
from the slot unless the mouth of the notch and mouth of the slot
are both directed towards the top arm portion, the improvement
comprising the pawl mechanism having a primary pivot about which it
normally pivots or rotates and a secondary safety pivot about which
the pawl is able to rotate if the primary pivot breaks and which
secondary pivot does not interfere with any normal operation
motion, and having a safety device securing the operative cable to
the pawl mechanism which device permits only release of the striker
to a raised position when the cable is activated but precludes any
further operation of the cable to release the striker from the
latch mechanism.
8. The latch mechanism as in any one of claims 1 to 7 further
comprising spring means to bias the pawl mechanism to pivot the top
of the pawl mechanism towards the slot comprises a bending coil
spring secured to the pawl mechanism about the pivot of the pawl
and at the edge of the pawl mechanism remote the detent to urge the
top arm of the slot and spring means to bias the ratchet mechanism
towards an elevated portion about a pivot of the ratchet mechanism,
the spring means comprising a bending coil spring secured to the
ratchet mechanism about the pivot of the ratchet mechanism.
9. The latch mechanism as in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the
secondary safety pivot comprises a pin, rivet, bolt or the like
secured to the mounting plate and passing through a curved slot
having its centre of curvature at the primary pivot, the pin,
rivet, bolt or the like has a head greater in diameter than the
width of the slot to maintain the connection to the mounting plate
at all times, and the curved slot is of such length to permit the
pawl mechanism to rotate about the primary pivot from a position
overlying the slot of the mounting plate to a position moved away
from over the mounting plate.
10. The latch mechanism as in any one of claims 2 to 7 wherein the
safety device securing the operative cable to the pawl mechanism
comprises a clip to which the operative cable is secured, one end
of which is adapted to slide in a slot carried by the pawl, the
other end of which engages a stop on the mounting plate precluding
any further retraction of the cable when the latch mechanism is
activated to preclude the top arm of the pawl mechanism from
overlying the slot thereby precluding release of the striker from
the latch mechanism.
11. The latch mechanism as in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein if
the pawl mechanism is ever partially restrained (for example, in
freezing weather) in an "open" position without the bent or curved
arm at the top of the pawl aligned covering the slot and the
striker is pushed into the notch of the ratchet mechanism and the
ratchet mechanism is permitted to rotate clockwise, the bottom of
the ratchet mechanism engages the arm portion on the bottom of the
pawl mechanism and causes the pawl mechanism to pivot to cause the
bent arm to extend across the slot precluding the striker from
being released until the pawl mechanism is pivoted to remove the
bent arm proximate the slot out of alignment with the slot.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to latching mechanisms incorporated within a
vehicle for use in retaining for example, hood lids potentially
incorporating remote actuation.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Many latching mechanisms have been proposed for securing hoods to
the car body. Today with the emphasis on economy, proposals have
attempted to simplify the mechanism. However, in the search for
greater economy and simplicity, safety may be jeopardized. For
example, where the latching mechanisms are frozen, parts may be
frozen in a non-securing position and when the latch may be thought
by the driver occupant to be fully secured, it may in fact not be
so and the hood may suddenly fly open causing a very dangerous
situation. These and other such like situations must be
prevented.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,565,476 teaches a hood latch mechanism of
complicated construction incorporating four separate components
unlatched by a solenoid, having primary and secondary latching
means released by a solenoid via a primary release lever engaging a
pawl detent.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,203,621 discloses a latching mechanism having first
and second latching means. Neither device is simple nor
incorporates a co-operative positive secondary latching means which
blocks the guide channel within the U-shaped housing upon
accidental release of the striker by the primary latch.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,298,223 and United Kingdom Patent Application
2,061,369 each teach a simplified mechanism having a primary latch
with a forwardly-biased secondary keeper preventing the primary
latch from releasing until such time as the secondary keeper is
disengaged. Again neither device blocks the guide channel within
the U-shaped housing upon accidental release of the striker by the
latch. Further, in neither device does a cooperative rearward stop
mechanism exist for preventing over-rotation and hence potential
damage for the ratchet mechanism.
Canadian Letters Patents 966,878 and 655,575 teach a simplified
mechanism having a primary latch with a rearwardly-biased secondary
keeper which may be remotely actuated, again having the
aforementioned deficiency with no safety mechanisms therein
incorporated.
Canadian Letters Patent 237,847 embodies a latch which may be used
externally or internally again having no provision for accidental
release, or co-operative engagement. U.S. Pat. No. 3,378,289
discloses a latch mechanism for hoods and deck latches, each having
a rotatable safety catch 108 (see FIG. 2) which co-operates with
the actuation means of the device. Further, a stop mechanism arm 50
restricting the movement of latch member 46 is incorporated
therein. However, the device has several primary components making
the cost of manufacture in today's economy prohibitive. Further,
the risk of mechanical failure for the system increases with the
number of components thereof.
In Canadian Patent Application Serial Number 521,738 there is
disclosed a latch mechanism comprising:
(a) a mounting plate carrying a slot having a bottom and mouth,
(b) a pivotably biased pawl mechanism comprising a top arm portion
for pivoting from a position over the slot to a position spaced
from it, a bottom arm portion and follower means,
(c) a ratchet mechanism biased for rotation and carrying a notch
having a mouth and control means for controlling the follower means
of the pawl mechanism, and
(d) stop means for stopping rotation of the ratchet mechanism with
the mouth of the notch proximate the mouth of the slot both
directed towards the top arm portion of the pawl,
the top arm portion normally positioned over the slot and being
precluded from movement away from the slot unless the mouth of the
notch and mouth of the slot are both directed towards the top arm
portion.
The control means for controlling the follower means of the pawl
mechanism may comprise a control surface on the ratchet mechanism
and the follower means comprises a detent carried at the side edge
of the pawl mechanism to engage the control surface to:
(a) lock the ratchet mechanism with any striker in the slot and
notch at the bottom of the slot with the top arm covering the slot
mouth, and
(b) ensure the top arm portion cannot be pushed away from over the
slot unless the mouth of the notch and mouth of the slot are both
proximate one another and directed toward the top arm portion.
The control means for controlling the follower means may also
comprise a control structure or formation carried by the ratchet
mechanism (for example a slot formation through the body of the
ratchet mechanism, for example a Z-shaped slot) and the follower
means comprises a pin carried by the pawl mechanism (in one
embodiment, the bottom arm portion).
However, even though the said proposals were improvements over
prior art developments, they still had several disadvantages. If
the primary pivot of the pawl were to break, the striker could fly
up and the hood would be released. It is therefore an object of
this invention to provide a latch mechanism of simplified
construction which reduces the number of components therein, and
provides all the necessary safety attributes, enhancing the locking
and mechanical reliability of the latch.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention a latch mechanism is
provided comprising a mounting plate carrying a slot having a
bottom and mouth the latch mechanism having disposed therewith a
pivotably biased pawl mechanism comprising a top arm portion for
pivoting from a position over the slot to a position spaced from
it, the pawl having a bottom arm portion, and follower means, for
positioning the pawl with respect to the slot of the mounting plate
the pawl mechanism having a primary pivot about which it normally
pivots or rotates and a secondary safety pivot about which the pawl
is able to rotate if the primary pivot breaks and which secondary
safety pivot does not interfere with any normal operation motion,
the latch mechanism having disposed therewith a ratchet mechanism
biased for rotation and carrying a notch having a mouth and control
means for controlling the position of the pawl mechanism with
respect to the slot when the control means of the ratchet engages
the follower means of the pawl, the latch mechanism having disposed
therewith, stop means for stopping rotation of the ratchet
mechanism with the mouth of the notch proximate the mouth of the
slot both directed towards the top arm portion of the pawl, the top
arm portion normally positioned over the slot and being precluded
from movement away from the slot unless the mouth of the notch and
mouth of the slot are both directed towards the top arm portion
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a
latch mechanism with an operative cable for actuating the latch
mechanism to release a striker to a raised position, the latch
mechanism comprising
a mounting plate carrying a slot having a bottom and mouth, the
latch mechanism having disposed therewith
a pivotably biased pawl mechanism comprising a top arm portion for
pivoting from a position over the slot to a position spaced from
it, the pawl having a bottom arm portion, and follower means, for
positioning the pawl with respect to the slot of the mounting plate
the pawl mechanism having a primary pivot about which it normally
pivots or rotates and a secondary safety pivot about which the pawl
is able to rotate if the primary pivot breaks and which secondary
safety pivot does not interfere with any normal operation motion,
the latch mechanism having disposed therewith
a ratchet mechanism biased for rotation and carrying a notch having
a mouth and control means for controlling the position of the pawl
mechanism with respect to the slot when the control means of the
ratchet engages the follower means of the pawl the latch mechanism
having disposed therewith,
stop means for stopping rotation of the ratchet mechanism with the
mouth of the notch proximate the mouth of the slot both directed
towards the top arm portion of the pawl the latch mechanism having
disposed therewith,
a safety device securing the operative cable to the pawl mechanism
which device permits actuation of the latch mechanism to only
release the striker to a raised position but precludes any further
operation of the cable to release the striker from the latch
mechanism, the top arm portion normally positioned over the slot
and being precluded from movement away from the slot unless the
mouth of the notch and mouth of the slot are both directed towards
the top arm portion.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a
latch mechanism with an operative cable for actuating the latch
mechanism to release the striker to a raised position, the latch
mechanism comprising
a mounting plate carrying a slot having a bottom and mouth, the
latch mechanism having disposed therewith
a pivotably biased pawl mechanism comprising a top arm portion for
pivoting from a position over the slot to a position spaced from
it, the pawl having a bottom arm portion and follower means, for
positioning the pawl with respect to the slot of the mounting
plate, the latch mechanism having disposed therewith
a ratchet mechanism biased for rotation and carrying a notch having
a mouth and control means for controlling the position of the pawl
mechanism with respect to the slot when the control means of the
ratchet engages the follower means of the pawl the latch mechanism
having disposed therewith
stop means for stopping rotation of the ratchet mechanism with the
mouth of the notch proximate the mouth of the slot both directed
towards the top arm portion of the pawl, the latch mechanism having
disposed therewith
a safety device securing the operative cable to the pawl mechanism
which devices permits actuation of the latch mechanism to only
release the striker to a raised position but precludes any further
operation of the cable to release the striker from the latch
mechanism, the top arm portion normally positioned over the slot
and being precluded from movement away from the slot unless the
mouth of the notch and mouth of the slot are both directed towards
the top arm portion
According to another aspect of the invention, the control means of
the ratchet for engaging the follower means of the pawl mechanism
further comprises a control surface on the ratchet mechanism and
the follower means, the pawl further comprises a detent carried at
the side edge of the pawl mechanism to engage the control means,
the follower means to
lock the ratchet mechanism with any striker in the slot and notch
at the bottom of the slot with the top arm covering the slot mouth,
and the control means to
ensure the top arm portion cannot be pushed away from over the slot
unless the mouth of the notch and mouth of the slot are both
proximate one another and directed toward the top arm portion.
According to another aspect of the invention a latch mechanism is
provided comprising a mounting plate carrying a slot having a
bottom and mouth; the latch mechanism having a pivotably-biased
pawl mechanism having a top arm portion (for pivoting from a
position over the slot to a position spaced from it), a bottom arm
portion, and follower and engaging means or positioning the pawl
with respect to the slot of the mounting plate; the latch mechanism
having a ratchet mechanism biased for rotation and carrying a notch
having a mouth (the notch for receiving a striker) and control
means for controlling the position of the pawl mechanism with
respect to the slot when the control means of the ratchet engages
the follower engaging means of the pawl, the plane of the ratchet
in one embodiment lying in the same plane as the pawl mechanism the
latch mechanism having disposed therewith stop means to stop the
rotation of the ratchet mechanism, the ratchet mechanism for
guiding the striker to proximate the bottom of the slot in one
embodiment so that the detent of the pawl mechanism engages a
detent of the ratchet mechanism so that the ratchet mechanism is
precluded from rotating to release the striker, the arm on the top
of the pawl mechanism normally positioned over the slot and being
precluded from movement away from the slot unless the mouth of the
notch and mouth of the slot are both directed towards the top arm
portion (in one embodiment, aligned), the improvement comprising
the pawl mechanism having a primary pivot about which it normally
pivots or rotates and a secondary safety pivot about which the pawl
is able to rotate if the primary pivot breaks and which secondary
pivot does not interfere with any normal operation motion, and
having a safety device securing the operative cable to the pawl
mechanism which device permits only release of the striker to a
raised position when the cable is activated but precludes any
further operation of the cable to release the striker from the
latch mechanism.
Thus a latch mechanism is provided whereby a striker is secured by
a latch mechanism in a manner precluding accidental release of the
striker in a simple, efficient, yet cost-effective manner.
Preferably, the spring means to bias the pawl mechanism to pivot
the top of the pawl mechanism towards the slot comprises a bending
coil spring secured to the pawl mechanism about the pivot of the
pawl and at the edge of the pawl mechanism remote the detent to
urge the top arm of the slot. Preferably spring means are provided
to bias the ratchet mechanism towards an elevated portion about a
pivot of the ratchet mechanism, the spring means preferably
comprising a bending coil spring secured to the ratchet mechanism
about the pivot of the ratchet mechanism. The bending coil spring
is chosen to enable it to lift the striker and the ratchet
mechanism when the pawl mechanism is released by actuating the
operative cable.
In one embodiment the secondary safety pivot comprises a pin,
rivet, bolt or the like secured to the mounting plate and passing
through a curved slot having its center of curvature at the primary
pivot. In this case the pin, rivet, bolt or the like has a head
greater in diameter than the width of the slot to maintain the
connection to the mounting plate at all times. The curved slot is
of such length to permit the pawl mechanism to rotate about the
primary pivot from a position overlying the slot of the mounting
plate to a position moved away from over the mounting plate.
In one embodiment the safety device securing the operative cable to
the pawl mechanism comprises a clip to which the operative cable is
secured, one end of which is adapted to slide in a slot carried by
the pawl, the other end of which engages a stop on the mounting
plate precluding any further retraction of the cable when the latch
mechanism is activated to preclude the top arm of the pawl
mechanism from overlying the slot thereby precluding release of the
striker from the latch mechanism.
If the pawl mechanism is ever partially restrained (for example, in
freezing weather) in an "open" position without the bent or curved
arm at the top of the pawl aligned covering the slot and the
striker is pushed into the notch of the ratchet mechanism and the
ratchet mechanism is permitted to rotate clockwise, the bottom of
the ratchet mechanism engages the arm portion on the bottom of the
pawl mechanism and causes the pawl mechanism to pivot to cause the
bent arm to extend across the slot precluding the striker from
being released until the pawl mechanism is pivoted to remove the
bent arm proximate the slot out of alignment with the slot.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be illustrated with reference to the
following drawings of a preferred embodiment of the invention in
which:
FIG. 1 is a front view of the latch mechanism according to the
preferred embodiment of the invention as a hood latch in an open
hood state.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the latch mechanism with the pawl being
pushed laterally when the striker passes the pawl mechanism.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the latch mechanism illustrating the hood
latch in a locked position.
FIG. 4 is a front view of the latch mechanism showing the release
of the ratchet mechanism by retraction of the pawl mechanism by the
operative cable.
FIG. 5 is a front view of the striker elevated to a raised position
after the actuation by the operating cable.
FIG. 6 is a front view of the pawl mechanism being moved laterally
from a position over the slot (as for example by grasping a handle)
thereby releasing the striker.
FIG. 7 is a front view of the latch mechanism showing the safety
feature of the secondary safety pivot precluding release of the
pawl mechanism from over the slot to release the striker when the
primary pivot has broken.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a clip used in conjunction with the
operative cable and the pawl mechanism.
FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of the clip in FIG. 8 taken on the
line 9--9 looking in the direction of the arrows mounted for
use.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view along the line 10--10 in FIG. 1
looking in the direction of the arrows.
With reference to FIG. 1, latch mechanism 34 is shown for the
purpose of securely latching striker assembly 36 secured to the
underside of the hood 38 to extend horizontally as shown. Striker
assembly 36 comprises horizontally-extending cylindrical portion
40.
Latch mechanism 34 comprises mounting bracket 46 carrying
vertically oriented slot 48 which is centrally located in mounting
plate 46 and extends from a central middle portion upwardly and has
wider mouth portion 48A. Mounting bracket 46 also carries pivotally
mounted pawl mechanism 50 pivotally mounted on pivot (pin) 52 to be
pivoted by operating cable 54 in the direction W pulling clip 55
towards mounting b shings 56 fastened to mounting plate one end 58
of clip 55 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) is carried in slot 60 of pawl
mechanism 50. Operating cable 54 extends from the other end 62
through mounting bushing 56 through outer sleeve or hose 54.
With reference to FIG. 1, pawl mechanism 50 further comprises a
central body portion 82 which carries a tooth 84 having on the top
surface thereof rounded shoulder 86A and on the underside
inwardly-directed straight surface 86. Pawl mechanism 50 carries
proximate the top thereof handle 88 comprising a portion of the
body angled at right angles (not shown) to the plane of pawl
mechanism 50 and top arm portion or safety hook portion 96 carrying
upper surface sloped surface 92 extending to the end 94 of pawl
mechanism 50 from intermediate portion 96 for the purposes of being
engaged by striker 40 causing rotation of pawl mechanism 50 about
pivot point 52 to permit entry of the striker mechanism 36 into
slot 48. Bending coil spring 100 encompasses pivot 52 with one end
101 supported on mounting plate 46 and the other end 102 abutting
the side edge of pawl mechanism 50 remote tooth 84 for urging
safety hook portion 96 to overly slot 48 and mouth 48A unless moved
laterally using handle 88.
On the bottom end of pawl mechanism 50 is arm 104 which includes a
rounded end portion 106 and which arm 104 extends in the same
direction as arm 90 away from central portion 82 which central
portion extends generally upwardly. Arm 104 carries curved slot 105
(having as its center pivot 52) carrying secondary safety pivot pin
107 (see FIG. 10) comprising head 109 of greater diameter than the
width of slot 105 for securing portion 104 of pawl mechanism 50 to
mounting plate 46. Slot 105 is of a length to permit safety hook
portion 96 to move laterally away from over mouth 48 without pin
107 engaging end 111 of slot 105.
Mounting plate 46 also mounts a ratchet mechanism 108 for rotation
about pivot pin 110 and is pivotally secured to bending coil spring
113 with one end 115 secured through on aperture 117 in mounting
plate 46 and the other end 119 secured into recess on notch 121 on
ratchet 108 to constantly urge the ratchet to rotate
counterclockwise if permitted to do so from the position shown in
FIG. 3. Striker assembly 36 is urged upwardly by the action of
spring 113 as the ratchet mechanism rotates, elevating hood 38.
Ratchet mechanism 108 also comprises stop 116 for engaging stop 118
a flange on mounting plate 46. Ratchet mechanism 108 carries
striker-receiving notch 120 defined by curved portion 122, nose 124
on one side and curved rounded shoulder 126 between portion 122 and
tooth 128. Tooth 128 comprises upper straight flat portion 130 for
engaging portion 86 of tooth 84 on the pawl as shown in FIG. 2.
Ratchet mechanism 108 also carries on the surface below tooth 128 a
curved surface 129 "the controlling surface" as shown for the
purpose of engaging surface 86A. Thus curved surface 129 riding on
surface 86A of pawl mechanism 50 will control the relative
positioning of the component parts of pawl mechanism 50 with
respect to ratchet mechanism 108 and as will be seen, arm 104 and
rounded portion 106 at the end thereof do not engage ratchet
mechanism 108 except under special circumstances. Such control by
the ratchet mechanism must bring the pawl mechanism 50 into such
position that sloped surface 92 is in line with striker portion 40
and overlies slot 48 and slot mouth 48A. Thus surface 86A acts as a
cam follower with surface 129 acting as the cam or control.
With reference to FIG. 7, if pivot pin 52 were to shear, secondary
safety pivot pin 107 would become the "pivot" for the pawl
mechanism 50. In this regard when pivot 52 shears, ratchet 108 is
permitted to rotate counterclockwise lifting tooth 86 of pawl
mechanism and thus lifts and rotates pawl mechanism 50
counterclockwise because safety pin 107 becomes the new pivot
point. As pawl mechanism is lifted, slot 105 is lifted positioning
safety pin 107 at the bottom of slot 105 whereas it continues to
act as the "pivot", preventing the pawl mechanism from lifting
further.
With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the latching of striker 36 is
clearly seen. Cylindrical portion 40 of striker 36 is brought to
bear on surface 92 of arm portion 96 which causes pawl mechanism 50
to pivot clockwise about pivot 52 until striker 36 passes into the
mouth 48A of slot 48 and the mouth of notch 120 and sits on
shoulder 126, forcing ratchet mechanism 108 to pivot clockwise
around pivot 110.
Except for the instance of the pawl mechanism 50 being frozen in a
position not covering slot 48, ratchet mechanism rotates clockwise
to a position where cylinder 40 of striker 36 is at the bottom of
slot 48 with tooth surface 130 below detent tooth 84. Surface 129
rides against surface 86A positioning safety hook portion 96 at all
times over slot 48 (except when cylinder 40 of striker 36 engaged
surface 92 and pushed pawl mechanism laterally or clockwise around
pivot 52.
In the instance where pawl mechanism 50 is frozen in a position not
covering slot 48, surface 139 is pushed onto rounded end portion
106 by bottom arm 104 of pawl mechanism 50. Such contact forces
pawl mechanism 50 to rotate counterclockwise positioning safety
hook portion 94 over slot 48.
With reference to FIG. 3, striker 36 is in notch 120 at the bottom
of slot 48 with tooth 84 engaging tooth 128 preventing relative
rotation of ratchet mechanism 108 counterclockwise about pivot pin
110. Arm 90 of pawl mechanism 50 extends over the mouth 48A of slot
48.
With reference to FIGS. 4 and 8 and 9, actuator 54 has been
retracted in general direction W retracting pawl mechanism 50 which
pivots about pivot pin 52 withdrawing detent tooth 84 towards
actuator 54 away from tooth 128, positioning latch mechanism
instantaneously in a position where the ratchet mechanism is now
free to rotate counterclockwise to free striker 36 urged to rise by
the action of spring 113. As latch mechanism 108 rotates in a
counterclockside direction, striker rises in slot 48 with arm 90,
including portion 94 still extending over the mouth 48A of slot 48,
preventing release of striker 36.
The reason for the continued maintenance of portion 94 extending
over slot 48 is the construction of the actuator.
With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, clip 55 rides in slot 60 and when
retracted by pulling actuator 54 in direction "W", cylindrical
portion 200 engages the rear end 60A of slot 60 rotating pawl
mechanism 50 about pivot 52. The rear end 62 of clip 55 is so
constructed that before portion 94 is moved to a position where it
does not averlie slot 48, the rear end 62 engages bushing 56
precluding any further motion of pawl mechanism 50 caused by
actuation of cable 54.
For securing cable 54 to clip 55 transverse slot 202 is provided to
permit insertion of cable 54 into the centre of clip 55. The
forward end 54A of cable 54 is pressed into nipple or enlarged
member 204, which is larger than the slot opening in which the
cable 54 is positioned. Tabs of flanges 206 and 208 carried on one
side of projection 200 are provided to lock clip 55 to slide within
slot 60. For mounting purposes in slot 60, tabs 206 and 208 are
turned 90 degrees, inserted through the slot and returned to their
upright mounted position. Cable 54 cannot fall from clip 55 because
the open side of slot 202 is partially covered at all times by pawl
mechanism 50.
With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, it is clear as ratchet mechanism
108 rotates to cause stop surface 116 to engage stop 118, thereby
aligning notch 120 with the mouth 48A of slot 48, striker 36 then
moves to the top of the latch mechanism below arm portion 94. By
grasping handle 88 and rotating pawl clockwise, portion 94 is moved
away from slot 48 and striker 36 is released. As is apparent,
pulling on cable 54 would not permit this operation.
With reference to FIG. 7, if pivot pin 52 were to shear, secondary
safety pivot pin 107 would become the "pivot" for the pawl
mechanism 50. In this regard when pivot 52 shears, ratchet 108 is
permitted to rotate counterclockwise lifting tooth 86 of pawl
mechanism and thus lifts and rotates pawl mechanism 50
counterclockwise because safety pin 107 becomes the new pivot
point. As pawl mechanism is lifted, slot 105 is lifted positioning
safety pin 107 at the bottom of slot 105 whereas it continues to
act as the "pivot", preventing the pawl mechanism from lifting
further.
As many changes can be made to the embodiment of this invention
without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended
that all matter contained herein be interpreted as illustrative of
the invention and not in a limiting sense.
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